So maybe this isn't the proper forum, but I think it's art-related so here goes...I bought a lithograph (Marcel Dzama -- Ceremonies of the Horsemen) and recently got around to framing it. When I went to do this, I noticed that the print had been damaged (when it was rolled, the paper was slightly bent along the edge, so there's little bends going all the way up the side). You know how, when you bend paper, one side has the ridge of slightly raised paper (the side that is on the inside when bent) -- well this is on the front of the print. It's not visible in most lights, but it is in some (and I know it's there). So, I'm wondering if anyone knows anyway to remedy this. I know they use hot press machines (?) (the same machines they use for dry-mounting) to flatten out posters that have been folded. It seems like that could work for this too. I'm just wondering if a lithograph would require special considerations. Would there be image degradation? And it's signed and numbered in pencil -- would that be affected? If anyone knows, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks, Brian
I'm not an art conservation...
I'm not an art conservation specialist, but did major in litho in college. Lithographs are prints made on stone or metal plate that has been made chemically raactive to water and grease--where there is black it is grease friendly and where there is white it repels grease. The inks are oil based, applied with a roller onto a moist surface (stone or plate), and then it is run through a press with pressure. The paper used for editions is usually a high rag content, but they can be printed on any manner of paper--including newsprint. Your print has been rolled and the fibers of the paper have been bent. The safest way to deal with this is to bring it to a art conservation specialist and have them fix it. You mentioned a heat press--the kind used to mount inexpensive prints to their backing with a heat sensitive adhesive (never done with fine art). It might work (MINUS THE ADHESIVE!), as might an iron on low temp to obscure the dents. The likelihood of the ink melting is low I think once it is dry. The pencil signature should be fine. Let someone with experience weigh in on this. Again a specialist could best advise.
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